Interspecific tree

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Vigorous, upright tree growth.   2. Heavy and regular bearer of fruit.   3. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality.   4. Fruit with good handling and shipping quality.   5. Fruit with an average Brix of 20° with a good balance between acid and sugar.   6. Fruit with the ability to remain firm on the tree 3 weeks past maturity (shipping ripe).

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Interspecific Prunus species

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

1. Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It wasagainst this background of our activities that the present variety ofinterspecific tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

2. Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of cherries, interspecific and plum trees,which are known to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Royal Lee’ Cherry (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 12,417), ‘Bing’ Cherry (non-patented), ‘Stella’ Cherry(non-patented), the proprietary cherry selections ‘5.5GK110’ and‘21ZA1058’, the proprietary plum selection ‘85EG395’ and the proprietaryinterspecific selection ‘162LM354’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct interspecific tree was originated by us fromcrosses between the following species [(Prunus salicina×Prunusavium)×Prunus avium]. The present variety was selected from a firstgeneration cross between the proprietary selected seedlings ‘162LM354’and ‘21ZA1058’. The seed parent (162LM354) was developed by us from aproprietary plum seedling selection ‘85EG395’ crossed with a proprietarycherry seedling selection ‘5.5GK110’. We developed the proprietarypollen parent (21ZA1058) by crossing the following cherry selections;‘Bing’ Cherry (non-patented), ‘Stella’ Cherry (non-patented) and ‘RoyalLee’ Cherry (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,417). We budded a large number ofthese seedlings, growing on their own root, from this cross to older‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented) trees to induce earlier fruitproduction for evaluation. Under close and careful observation thepresent seedling exhibited desirable fruit and tree characteristics andwas selected in 2004 for additional asexual propagation andcommercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of interspecifictree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), asperformed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree andall characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established andtransmitted through succeeding asexual reproduction.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of interspecific tree whichincludes [(Plum×Cherry)×Cherry] in its parentage is of large size,vigorous, upright growth and a productive and regular bearer of small tomedium size, yellow-red flesh, firm fruit with excellent flavor andeating quality. The fruit is further characterized by holding firm onthe tree 3 weeks past maturity (shipping ripe) and having good storageand shipping quality. In comparison to its seed parent (162LM354) thefruit is approximately 30 days earlier in maturity with superior eatingquality. In comparison to its pollen parent (21ZA1058) the phenotype ofthe new variety, its tree and fruit characteristics, resembles its seedparent (plum like instead of cherry like), its fruit is larger in sizeand is approximately 50 days later in maturity.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecific variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) from a 7 year old tree and the colors are as nearly trueas is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofinterspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based onobservations of 7 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., withcolor in accordance with Munsell Book of Color.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and width            for economical harvesting of fruit. Varies with different            cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, tree growth of approximately 1.5 to 2            meters the first growing season. Varies with cultural            practices, soil type, fertility and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Upright growth.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 30°,            increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit            desirable for market size fruit.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 5 consecutive years. No            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self-sterile, pollinator required.        -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to            increase sunlight and air movement to center of tree to            enhance fruit color and spur growth.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement approximately 900 hours at or below 45°            F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average circumference of 46.9 cm at            38.1 cm above ground level on a 7 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, becomes rougher with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 4/2 to 2.5Y 5/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 16.9 cm at 1.2 meters            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 30°, increases with            heavy fruit crop.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            medium rough, roughness increases with age.        -   Lenticels.—Size — medium. Average number 26 in a 25.8 sq cm            area. Average length 2.5 mm. Average width 1.3 mm. Color            varies from 5YR 5/8 to 5YR 4/8.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 10Y 6/6 to 10Y 6/8. Old growth            varies from 10YR 3/2 to 7.5YR 3/4, varies with age of            growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 100.4 mm. Average            width 40.8 mm.        -   Form.—Oblanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Doubly serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight            indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface            relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces            glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Average length 17.3 mm. Average width 1.5 mm.            Longitudinally grooved. Very short pubescence. Color varies            from 5GY 6/6 to 5R 3/6 where exposed to sun.        -   Glands.—Globose. Size — small. Average length 0.9 mm.            Average diameter 0.4 mm. Average number — 2, varies from 1            to 3. Located primarily on the lower portion of leaf blade            and upper portion of petiole. Color varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to            2.5GY 5/6.        -   Stipules.—Average number 2. Average length 4.2 mm. Margin —            serrate. Color — 5GY 5/6.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 4/8 to 5GY 4/2. Lower            surface varies from 5GY 5/4 to 7.5GY 4/4. Midvein color            varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 5/6.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Small. Average length 7.0 mm. Average diameter 4.7 mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 9.6 mm. Average width 0.5 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 5/8. Surface — glabrous.        -   Color.—N 9.5/(white).        -   Number of buds per spur.—Average number 7, varies from 5            to 13. Varies with age of flower spur.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 26, 2010. Date of            Petal Fall Mar. 5, 2010, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Size.—Small to medium. Average height 7.7 mm. Average            diameter 17.6 mm.        -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to the sepals. Size            — small. Average length 8.8 mm. Average width 5.7 mm. Form            varies from globose to slightly elliptical. Margin —            sinuate. Both upper and lower surfaces glabrous. Color — N            9.5/(white).        -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to the petals. Size            — small. Average length 2.7 mm. Average width 2.1 mm. Shape            — triangular, apex rounded. Margin — entire. Both upper and            lower surfaces glabrous. Color — upper surface varies from            2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/6. Lower surface varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to            5GY 6/8.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 30, varies from 19 to 36.            Average filament length 5.6 mm. Filament color N            9.5/(white). Anther color varies from 5Y 8.5/6 to 7.5Y 8/8.        -   Pollen.—Self-sterile, pollinator required. Color varies from            5Y 8/6 to 5Y 8/8.        -   Pistil.—Normally 1. Surface — glabrous. Average length            7.9 mm. Position of stigma approximately 1.8 mm above            anthers. Color varies from 10Y 8/6 to 2.5GY 8/6.        -   Fragrance.—Heavy aroma.        -   Color.—N 9.5/(white).        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Average 3, varies from 1            to 4. Pedicel — medium. Average length 11.3 mm. Average            width 0.6 mm. Color varies from 2.5GY 5/8 to 5GY 5/8.            Surface — glabrous.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.        -   Date of first picking.—Jun. 27, 2010.        -   Date of last picking.—Jul. 5, 2010, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Small to medium. Average diameter axially 40.3 mm.            Average transversely in suture plane 40.4 mm. Average weight            42.6 grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil,            amount of thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose.        -   Suture.—Very slightly lipped, extends from base to apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Smooth to slightly lipped.        -   Apex.—Nearly rounded.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.            Average depth 2.3 mm. Average diameter 2.0 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 16.9 mm. Average diameter 1.4            mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 10Y 6/8 to 2.5GY 6/8.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty.        -   Fibers.—Few, small and tender.        -   Firmness.—Good, comparable to commercial plum varieties.        -   Aroma.—Very slight.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Excellent.        -   Flavor.—Excellent, a good balance between acid and sugar.        -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.        -   Brix.—Average 20.2°, varies slightly with amount of fruit            per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 8/8 to 7.5R 4/10 next to the skin.            Pit cavity varies from 2.5YR 4/6 to 2.5YR 4/8.        -   Pit cavity.—Shape — ovoid. Average length 23.2 mm. Average            width 17.3 mm. Average depth 4.8 mm.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Bloom.—Moderate amount.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 10Y 7/4 to 2.5GY 8/6.            Overspread with 5R 3/8 to 7.5R 3/8. Fruit with randomly            spaced areas of ground color exposed to give a speckled            pattern to skin surface areas.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—Undetected.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone.        -   Size.—Medium. Average length 21.1 mm. Average width 15.6 mm.            Average thickness 8.6 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Rounded to slight tip. Average length 0.5 mm.        -   Surface.—Very small pits throughout. One shallow groove on            each side of the suture, extending from base to apex.        -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from the suture            plane.        -   Ridges.—A small narrow ridge on each side of suture            extending from base to apex.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 5/6 to 7.5YR 5/8 when dry.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 13.0 mm. Average width 9.0 mm.            Average depth 5.3 mm.        -   Shape.—Ovate.        -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.        -   Skin.—Color varies from 5YR 9/4 to 7.5Y 9/4.-   Use: Dessert. Market — local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage for 3 weeks at 38°    to 42° F. without shriveling, internal breakdown of flesh or    appreciable loss of eating quality.-   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or flesh    bruising during picking, packing and shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection    observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal    fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and    eliminated from our breeding program.

The present new variety of interspecific tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, substantially asillustrated and described.